paper return still not processed-file electronically?

Forum|Forum|3 years ago
August 16, 2022
1 reply
4 views

Hello - we snail mailed our taxes April 14, 2022, and are due a refund. We did not bother with tracking since it was a refund unfortunately. On IRS it still shows not processed, and there is a letter there that no tax return was received. It's been over 4 months. At this point, should we refile electronically, or mail again with tracking? It would not be an amendment as there are no changes....just basically file again, and assume lost in the mail? I've tried calling IRS for days to ask if I should "re-file" and always get, this topic is full for the day, try again the next business day. We've learned our lesson by the way.

Mike9241

Level 15

the IRS does not want a second return. mailed returns take 6 to 9 months or longer to process. until it gets into the processing system the IRS doesn't even know it has it. so calling won't help and nothing will show up on WMR.

Mike9241

xmasbaby0

Level 15

MAILED RETURNS

https://www.businessinsider.com/taxpayers-filing-paper-returns-wait-6-months-tax-refund-2022-4#:~:text=1%20Americans%20who%20filed%20taxes%20on%20paper%20may,led%20to%20a%20backlog%20of%20unprocessed%20tax%20returns.?msclkid=5bb8e331cf8811ecb392708ff5b3b9b7

IRS link pertaining to processing of 2021 returns:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-operations-during-covid-19-mission-critical-functions-continue#collapseCollapsible1639064526818

It can take weeks (or a LOT longer since the IRS is severely backlogged) for anything to show up on the IRS site when you mail a tax return.

If you mail a tax return (or a payment) to the IRS, it is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it like UPS or certified mail so you will know it was received.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.

TurboTax will not know anything about your mailed return, and will continue to show “Ready to Mail” on your account. TurboTax will not know that you put your tax return in an envelope and took it to a mailbox. TurboTax does not get updates on mailed (or e-filed) returns.

When the IRS opens its mail and begins to process mailed returns you can check the status on the IRS site. https://www.irs.gov/refunds

State returns have to be mailed to the state.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899433-how-do-i-track-my-state-refund

If you are wondering if you should send your return again——the IRS does not want you to file a second time. Putting two tax returns into the system at the same time can lead to confusion and even more delays. If you did not use tracking and do not know if the return was received—-you have to make your own judgment call and decide if you want to risk further delay by sending the return again.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**